CARTOGRAPHIC EDUCATION IN : FOCUS ON AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA

Ufuah, M.E.

Department Of Geography and Regional Planning Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, , Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The recognition of cartography as a separate discipline has long been achieved, but no bachelor degree programme in the field is available in any Nigerian university. Presently, only three institutions in the country offer pure cartographic programmes at certificate and diploma levels. These institutions are Kaduna Polytechnic, ECA Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys, Ile- Ife, and Federal School of Surveys, Oyo. Cartography in Nigeria is taught as a part of undergraduate geography or surveying and as area of specialization at post-graduate level in selected universities. Although some cartographers have called for the establishment of full- fledged Departments of Cartography in Nigerian universities, it has not been possible to do so. However, departments of geography in Nigerian Universities of Lagos, and Benin, as well as Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma are presently running post- graduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) programmes with specialization in Cartography. Very recently, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma has introduced Post- Graduate Diploma (PG.D) programme with specialization in Cartography within the Department of Geography and Regional Planning. This is the first of its kind in any Nigerian university. The post-graduate diploma programme was introduced in order to satisfy the yearning of many H.N.D. holders in Cartography (and related courses) to further their studies. Thus, this paper, after the introduction, outlined the present situation about Cartographic education and training in Nigeria. It also discussed in detail the Cartographic education at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in respect of course structure and personnel.

1. INTRODUCTION

In 1949, United Nations’ experts recognized Cartography as an independent science. Since then Cartography has developed so rapidly that it ultimately achieved general recognition as an independent discipline. It was also recognized that this new science belonged to the formal sciences whose objects of investigations are the Cartographic forms of expressions, the methods of which are directed towards perception of the conformity and replication of design process [1,2].

However, several authors have written on the development of Cartographic discipline and curricula in America, Europe and Asia [3-6]. In the same vein, some authors have written on the development of Cartography in Nigeria and noted the sad situation of the non-availability of degree programme in Cartography [2,7,8,9].

The aim of this paper is to outline the present situation about Cartographic education in Nigeria generally and, in particular focus on the Cartographic programmes at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Specifically, the cartographic structure and personnel in the department are discussed.

2. CARTOGRAPHIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Presently, only three institutions in the country offer pure cartographic programmes at levels other than the first degree. ECA Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS) at Ile-Ife runs diploma programme in Cartography, while the Federal School of Surveys, Oyo, runs an advanced level course in Cartography. Kaduna Polytechnic runs national and higher national diploma (O.N.D. and H.N.D.) programmes in addition to other certificate courses in Cartography. These institutions only produce the technicians and technologists who are mostly seen in Cartographic studios accomplishing the task at hand.

The universities that should produce the theoreticians and the methodologists, that should research and establish the foundation, and the means whereby the theories can be applied, are not in the scene [10]. Instead, Cartography is taught as a part of undergraduate geography or surveying, and as an area of specialization at post- graduate level in selected universities in Nigeria [11].

Proceedings of the 21st International Cartographic Conference (ICC) Durban, South Africa, 10 – 16 August 2003 ‘Cartographic Renaissance’ Hosted by The International Cartographic Association (ICA) ISBN: 0-958-46093-0 Produced by: Document Transformation Technologies It has been argued, as far back as 1982, that mere extensions of existing degree course in geography and surveying will not serve the needs of tertiary level cartographic education, thereby advocating for an undergraduate degree majoring in Cartography and Computer Science [12]. Others in more recent times have explicitly called for the establishment of full-fledged departments of cartography in Nigerian universities [10]. The establishment of a separate Department of Cartography has not been possible in any Nigerian university.

However, Akinyemi [13] suggests in her conclusion that, going by the global initiatives tending towards integration of related disciplines, undergraduate degree in geography should comprise of functional areas of specialization where students can major in Cartography and GIS. Ikhuoria [2] had earlier concluded that “for the avoidance of doubt, a geography department can develop technologist, bachelor of science and/or a post–graduate professional degree programme in Cartography instead of requiring students, according to Robinson [6], to offer one or two Cartography courses in order to meet the requirements for a geography degree.”

In a survey of 31 universities in Nigeria by Ikhuoria [2], 12 responded with a list of the Cartography and related courses offered in their geography and surveying curricula. An examination of these programmes based on course structures shows that university of Lagos, Lagos, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and University of Benin, are the institutions which offer a wide range of courses in basic and advanced Cartographic techniques and theoretical concepts. He therefore opined that universities of Lagos, Benin, Ekpoma and Minna were “ Better predisposed to commence either an undergraduate or a post–graduate discipline in Cartography”.

3. CARTOGRAPHIC EDUCATION AT AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA.

The Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma currently runs post-graduate diploma, masters and doctoral programmes in Geography with specialization in Cartography. These programmes are in addition to the Cartography (and related) courses being offered at undergraduate level as part of geography programme.

3.1 Course Structure 3.1.1 Undergraduate Programme This Department does not run bachelor degree programme in Cartography. Instead Cartography courses, as noted earlier, are taught as part of geography programme. The National Universities Commission (NUC) guideline provides that geography departments in Nigerian universities offer at least four undergraduate courses in Cartography in addition to courses in surveying, photo interpretation, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS). Ufuah [11] had observed that the Cartography (and related) courses only amounted to 18 units out of a minimum of 138 units required for B.Sc. degree in Geography.

To this end, this Department, in conformity with NUC guideline, is currently offering the following Cartography and related courses to geography students; GRP 103-Introductory Practical Geography ©-3units GRP 104- Land Surveying ©-3 units GRP204- Introductory Cartography ©-2units GRP 207- Map Analysis ® -2units GRP 217- Air Photo Interpretation ®-2units GRP 314- Cartography & Research Methods-© 2 units GRP 335- Geographic Information System (E) – 2 units GRP 403- Advanced Cartographic Techniques 1© -2units GRP 412- Advanced Cartographic Techniques 11©- 2units GRP 419- Remote Sensing (E) -2units Note: C= Core, R= Required, E- Elective

In all, there are 22 units (or about 13.1%) of Cartography and related courses out of 168 units required for bachelor degree in geography. Because of the relatively high Cartographic (and other related courses) contents in geography programme, many students are often challenged and encouraged to take the option of writing their final dissertation on topics in cartography, remote sensing or geographic information system.

3.1.2 Graduate Programmes The basic objectives of the master’s and doctoral programmes in this Department are, first, to inculcate in the students a broad knowledge of the theories and concepts governing the spatial distribution of geographical problems. And, secondly, to provide a basis for the student to apply himself in the formulation, conceptualization and evaluation of geographical problems. In order to meet these objectives, this Department offers programmes for M.Sc. and Ph. D. degrees with specialization in Cartography amongst others. The M.Sc. programme is a minimum of two years involving lectures, practicals, assignments, seminars and final write up (thesis). Also, the Ph.D. programme is for minimum of two years beyond the master’s level. Master’s students in Cartography are expected to register for a minimum of 36units of courses and must pass at least 30units for graduation. The courses being offered are:

(a) Master’s Programme in the Area of Cartography The Cartography courses are: ! GRP 720-Theoretical Cartography – 3 unit ! GRP 721- Automated Cartography – 3 units ! GRP 722-History and Applied Cartography –3units ! GRP 723- Cartographic Methods in Research –3Units ! GRP 728- Geographic Information System- Units ! GRP 799- Thesis (on Cartographic topic) –6 units

Cartography students must also offer one or two of the following courses: ! GRP 724- Remote Sensing & Geographical Studies –3units ! GRP 725- Principles of Manual Image Analysis- 3units ! GRP 726- Principles of Digital Image Analysis –3units ! GRP 727- Remote Sensing Systems – units

The above courses are offered in addition to the following mandatory geography course: ! GRP 701- Philosophy of Geography - 3 Units ! GRP 702- Research Methodology – 3units ! GRP 703- Quantitative Techniques –3units ! GRP 704- Theoretical Geography –3units

(b) Doctoral Programme in the Area of Cartography All Ph.D. Students specializing in Cartography must offer the following courses: ! GRP 801- Research Methodology –3units ! GRP 802- Advanced Quantitative Techniques 3units ! GRP 805- Cartography -3units ! GRP 899- Thesis (on Cartographic) –6units

The GRP 805-Cartography –covers topic on the development of Cartography and GIS especially in Africa, applications of geoinformatics in regional land use, environmental management, topographic map production and revision. Topical issues in remote sensing, cartography and GIS are also covered. Students are also taught topics in multimedia cartography and electronic maps, as well as mapping on the Internet and the World Wide Web.

However, in addition to the course work and the candidacy examination for GRP 801, GRP 802 and GRP 805, each student must present a seminar paper to the Department and Graduate School as partial fulfillment of the area of specialization. The master’s and doctoral programmes lead to the award of M.Sc. Geography, (Cartography) and Ph.D. Geography (Cartography) Degrees respectively, of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. So far, five M.Sc. and two Ph.D. degrees have been awarded in the Department.

Topics covered by the research students in their GRP 899 (Thesis) are: (a) Master’s Degree Theses ! The Status and Functions of Maps and Spatial Data Use in Nigeria. ! Tactile Cartography in Nigeria: An Empirical Study of the Spatial Awareness of Visually Impaired Persons. ! An Analysis of Urban Growth of Warri using SPOT Remotely Sensed Data. ! The State of Computer Application in Cartography (A case study of Selected Private and Public Organizations in Nigeria). ! Conformal Transformation of Co-ordinates: A case study of Owo in Ondo State of Nigeria b) Doctoral Degree Theses: ! A Study of the Communications Efficiency of Cultural Symbols on Nigerian Topographical Maps. ! Revision of the Nigerian 1:50,000 Topographic Maps with SPOT Remotely Sensed Data.

3.1.3 Bridging the Gap: Introduction of Post–Graduate Diploma in Cartography As noted earlier, Cartography is offered up to H.N.D level at Kaduna Polytechnic - a Federal Institution, but the graduates are not recognized as bachelor degree holders. Consequently, they cannot gain admission for Master’s (M.Sc.) programme in any Nigeria university in related disciplines like Land Surveying or Geography with specialization in Cartography. Such H.N.D. holders must acquire Post–graduate Diploma (PGD) in order to qualify for the M.Sc. programme. Furthermore, in Nigeria, holders of H.N.D. are not usually appointed into any policy making body in the government irrespective of their years of experience [8].

Over the years, as a result of the above reasons, there has been an ever-increasing desire of H.N.D graduates in Cartography, as well as in Photogrammetry and Land Surveying to further their career in Geography (Cartography). Also, a large number of bachelor degree holders in Geography and other related disciplines like Land Surveying, Geology, Geophysics, Environmental Resource Management, and Urban and Regional planning have been trying to enroll for graduate programmes in Geography. But they have been refused admission because of their deficiency at the undergraduate level.

To satisfy the yearnings of this teaming category of prospective students in Nigeria, the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma has decided to mount a post-graduate diploma programme in Geography and Regional Planning in various areas of specialization including Cartography. This is to provide the much-needed professional training and preparation for advanced degrees. Thus, one of the main aims of this programme is to provide students who successfully complete the PGD and whose results satisfy the standard required, the opportunity for admission to the M.Sc. degree programme in Geography and Regional Planning.

The PGD programme in the area of Cartography is a pioneering work in Nigerian university system. In other words, no other Nigerian geography or surveying department offers PGD with specialization in Cartography. The PGD programme, which started during the 2001/2002 session, has a duration of 12 months for lectures, practicals, assignments and independent project. Each student is required to register for a maximum of 36 units, out of which he/she must pass 30 units. The distribution of the courses is as follows:

Four (4) compulsory courses in geography x3units = 12 units Four (4) courses in student’s area of specialization x 3units = 12 units One (1) project course x 6units = 6 units Total = 30 units

Students specializing in Cartography must take and pass the following courses: GRP 620 - Principles of Cartography - 3units GRP 621 -Theoretical Cartography - 3units GRP 622 - Historical /Applied Cartography - 3units GRP 623 - Geographic Information System -3units GRP 699 -Project (on Cartographic topic) -6units

Such students are also expected to take one or two of the following Remote Sensing courses: GRP 670 - Principles of Remote Sensing -3units GRP 671 - Manual Image Interpretation -units GRP 672 - Digital Image Interpretation -3units

The course description in respect of Cartography is given in the appendix At the end of the programme, successful students are awarded PG.D Geography (Cartography).

3.1.4 Cartographic Personnel in this Department Prior to 1990, the Department had no specialist in the area of Cartography. Thus, the few Cartographic courses available then at the undergraduate level were taught by other geographers. Since 1990, the University has offered appointment to five lecturers in the area of mapping sciences, to teach and carry teach in the Department of Geography and Regional Planning. Prof. O.Y. Balogun of the University of Lagos, Lagos, and Dr. I. A. Ikhuoria, an Associate Professor, of the University of Benin, Benin City, were appointed on part-time basis up to 1998. The present academic Cartographers in this Department are Dr. R.O. Olomo [14], Dr. M.E. Ufuah and Mr. M.L. Rilwani. The first two lecturers possess B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. The third Lecturer has B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees, but, presently a Ph.D. student. All the Cartographic staff had their bachelor’s degrees in Geography, but specialized in Cartography and Remote Sensing respectively at graduate level.

Dr. Olomo has interest in Media Cartography, Theoretical Cartography with emphasis on communication in Cartography. He also has special interest in surveying, GIS, population mapping and environmental studies. He is a member of the Nigerian Cartographic Association (NCA). He is a National Executive Council (NEC) member of NCA as Editor of Nigerian Journal of Cartography and GIS. Presently, he is the President of the Edo / Delta States chapter of NCA. Dr. Ufuah’s main field of interest is Cartography- with emphasis on the use (or role ) of maps in environmental as well as socio-economic management and development, map production, and map revision. He also has special interest in GIS and remote sensing application to land use and map revision. He is an active member of NCA as well as NEC member of the Association in the capacity as the current chairman of the Committee on Thematic Mapping.

The three Cartographers have contributed immensely to Cartographic literature especially in Nigeria. Dr. R. O. Olomo was a recipient of the International Cartographic Association’s (ICA) Travel Award to the ICC 2001 held in Beijing, China. He presented a paper titled “The impact of Human Factors on the Retrieval of Information Presented with Cultural symbols on Nigerian Topographical Maps” [15].

4. CONCLUSION

The main problem facing the Department in the area of Cartographic teaching is lack of equipment. The Department has no computer facilities in the Cartography Laboratory. The students therefore use the computers in the University Computer Centre. The problem here is that some of the computers are not fitted with the appropriate Cartography and GIS software. The students also have limited time for instructions and practical. However, we hope that in the future, the authorities will provide more fund to purchase and install necessary equipment for Cartography and GIS in the Department. With the introduction of PGD programme in Cartography, more students are expected to register, and the staff will get more challenges in the areas of practical and research. This will eventually lead to increased number of academic Cartographers in Nigeria.

5. REFERENCES

[1] E. W. Arnberger. “Cartography” Geojournal, 5 (3), 199-200, (1982). [2] A. Ikhuoria, “A Study of the Status of Academic Cartography in Nigeria” in I.A. Ikhuoria (ed), Cartography and Rural Development in Nigeria, Nig. Carto. Asso., Lagos, 1-17, (1994). [3] A.H. Robinson, J.L. Morrison, and P.H. Muerhrche, “Cartography 1959-2000, Institute of British Geographers Transactions, New series, 2 (1), 3-18 (1976). [4] P. E. Sorrel “Mapping Sciences at North East London Polytechnic”. The cartographic Journal, 23 (1), 42-51, (1986) [5] A.J. Brimcome, and G. P. Garforth, “LIS/ GIS Education and Training in Hongkong”, Proceeding of 15th ICA Conference, Bournemouth, U.K. 61-79,(1991). [6] A.H. Robinson, “The Development of Cartography at the University of Wisconsin, Madison”, Cartography and Geographic information systems, 18 (3), 156-157, (1991). [7] D.Y. Balogun “Structure and Problems of Cartographic Education in Nigeria”, International Year Book of Cartography, XXI, 121-133, (1983) [8] M.M. Obot, “Problems of Cartographic Education in Nigerian Universities” in Ikhuoria, I. A. (Ed.) Op. sit, 44- 56,(1994). [9] M.E. Ufuah, “On the Issues of Cartographic Education, Registration Council and Professional Cadre in Nigeria” in Uluocha, N.O. and Nsofor, G.N. (eds.), Cartography and GIS in Nation Building, Nig. Carto. Asso., Lagos, 213-230, (2001). [10] N.K. Nwagboso, “ Cartography Degree Programme in Nigeria”, in Ikhuoria, I. A. (ed.) op. sit, 26-35 (1994). [11] M.E. Ufuah, “ Towards the Development of Unified Cartographic Education Curriculum for Nigerian Geography Departments, Journal of Teacher Education and Teaching, 4 (2), 49-165, (2000). [12] D.E. Goodrick “ What is Cartography?” Cartography, 12 (3), 146-150, (1982). [13] F.O. Adeyemi, “ Training in Cartography and Geographical Information System (GIS) for Sustainable Development in Nigeria” in Ikhuoria, I. A. (ed.) , Cartography and Geographic Information Systems for Sustainable Development, Nig. Carto. Asso., Lagos, 161-172, (1997). [14] Dr. Olomo has just joined the staff of University, Abraka, Nigeria. [15] O.R. Olomo “ The Impact of Human Factors on the Retrieval of Information Presented with Cultural Symbols on Nigerian Topographical Maps” in Proceeding, Mapping the 21st Century, ICC 2001, Beijing, China, 151-163, (2001). APPENDIX: Brief Description of Cartography Courses for the Post- Graduate Diploma Programme.

GRP 620 - PRINCIPLES OF CARTOGRAPHY - 3Units Scope and Limitation of visual presentation of statistics. Sources and treatment of statistics for presentation. Criteria of significance and choice of technique. Perception and visual process. Map compilation source materials, base maps. Generalizations, typography, colour and colour separation. Map design. Map production, planning and procedures. Practical works and assignments.

GRP 621- THEORETICAL CARTOGRAPHY - 3 Units The Meaning, scope and aspects of Cartography. The concept of map. Different components of the cartographic communication system and factors influencing them. Analysis of the topographic map as a cartography communication channel.

GRP 622- HISTORICAL/APPLIED CARTOGRAPHY -3Units The development of cartography from the ancient times to the present. The evolution of national surveys. Uses of maps in geographic studies as well as in national and international planning and development.

GRP 623- GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM – 3 units The meaning and nature of GIS. Components of GIS. Data input and output. Data base management. Data Modeling and Analysis. Practical and Assignments. CARTOGRAPHIC EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: FOCUS ON AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA

Ufuah, M.E.

Department Of Geography and Regional Planning Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]

Biography

My full name is Matthew Eigbe Ufuah. I was given birth to on the 11th November, 1960 at Uromi in Edo State, Nigeria. After my primary and secondary education at Ekekhen and Ubiaja respectively, I proceeded to University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1982. In 1986 I obtained my B.Sc. degree in Geography while in 1991 I got my M.Sc. degree with specialization in Cartography. In that same year I joined the academic staff of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU) as Assistant lecturer and rose to Senior Lecturer in 2001. I got my Ph.D. degree with specialization in Cartography from AAU, Ekpoma in 2000.

I am a member of the Nigerian Geographical Association (NGA) and Nigerian Cartographic Association (NCA). Presently, I am a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of NCA as the Chairman Committee on Thematic mapping. My main emphasis is on the application of maps in environmental as well as socio-economic management and development, map production and map revision. I also have special interest in GIS and Remote Sensing application to land use studies and map revision. I have contributed several articles on cartographic issues especially on Nigerian situation.